Whether you're a sneaker lover or not, everyone has seen the Nike Air Force 1 at least once.
Even today, decades after its release, the Air Force 1 is loved by many people and is one of NIKE's most representative sneakers.
Although the shape of the Air Force 1 has remained unchanged since its release, there are a great many variations in color and material, and including past models, there are actually several thousand different models.
With so many varieties, it can be hard to choose.
For those of you who are interested, this article will introduce the background of the birth of Air Force 1 and all the charms of Air Force 1, from classic to popular models.
Please use this as a reference to find your favorite Air Force 1.
History of the Air Force 1
Air Force 1 was released in 1982
More than 40 years ago, in October 1982, The Air Force 1 began life as a basketball shoe.
Before the Air Force 1 was released, basketball shoes had poor cushioning, and players at the time wore multiple layers of socks to cushion the impact when landing.
So in order to create a shoe with better support, designers took inspiration from the structure of hiking boots and applied it to a basketball shoe, and the Air Force 1 was born.
Air Force 1 becomes popular on the street scene
The Air Force 1 became popular for its high functionality and design, and in 1985 it began to transcend the role of basketball shoes and become lifestyle wear.
Along with the popularity of basketball in the 1980s, the hip hop boom also led to its popularity spreading among the general public.
The sneakers have become a hot topic among the public, with limited edition colors available at some stores selling out immediately.
As its popularity grew, NIKE began releasing collaborative models with artists and famous designers, further accelerating the popularity of the Air Force 1.
Having become established as a part of culture, it has remained a popular sneaker since its initial release, with its shape remaining unchanged to this day.
Subsequent models 2 and 3 also exist
Although they were produced in small numbers and are not well known, there are actually Air Force models "2" and "3".
The Air Force 2 is a skateboarding model by Nike SB.
The Air Force 3 was recently released in 2024 as a collaboration with designer NIGO.
Both are more like derivative models based on the features of the "1" rather than successor models.
Types of Air Force 1
Although the basic design is the same, the Air Force 1 varies in shape and material depending on the model.
- shape
- Model
I will focus on the above two points.
Air Force 1 types [shapes]
- Low Cut
- Mid Cut
- High Cut
There are three types of Air Force 1:
Low-cut models are popular nowadays, but a few years ago high-cut models were popular, and popular models change with the times.
As the name suggests, the difference is the height of the opening; below the ankle is low cut, above the ankle is high cut, and in between is mid cut.
Furthermore, the mid-high models have Velcro, which gives them a different look than the low-cut model.
Air Force 1 types [models]
There are many Air Force 1 models currently on sale, including the original model and its derivatives.
- Air Force 1 '07
- Air Force 1 '07 LV8
- Air Force 1 '07 FlyEase
- Air Force 1 '07 Essential
- Air Force 1 '07 Next Nature
- Air Force 1 '07 Premium
- Air Force 1 '07 Shadow
- Air Force 1 By You
All of the models have the same basic shape, but are made from different materials and have different functionality.
The characteristics of each are briefly explained as follows:
| Air Force 1 '07 |
The origin of Air Force 1. |
| Air Force 1 '07 LV8 |
A model that incorporates the classic taste of the 80s. |
|
Air Force 1 '07 |
This model was created with the concept of "you can put them on faster than you can count to three." |
| Air Force 1 '07 Essential |
Classic and clean design. |
| Air Force 1 '07 Next Nature |
As a sustainable pair of shoes, more than 20% of the total material is made from recycled materials. |
| Air Force 1 '07 Premium |
Special edition Air Force. It features a high-class style with leather, logo processing, and aurora-colored eyelets. |
| Air Force 1 '07 Shadow |
The Swoosh and back tabs are doubled, giving the Air Force 1 the appearance of being layered. |
| Air Force 1 By You |
You can choose your favorite materials and colors to create a completely original pair of shoes. |
Popular Air Force 1 models
Classic Air Force 1
- Air Force 1 '07 WHITE
- Air Force 1 '07 BLACK
A classic and pinnacle original model.
Although it is simple, it is not at all dull and goes well with a variety of fashions from street to mode, making it a very versatile model.
Collaboration model Air Force 1
Air Force 1 has been the subject of numerous collaborations, with some models commanding a premium price and trading at dozens of times the retail price.
In particular, collaboration models with popular brands and artists are highly rare due to limited production, and are immensely popular among sneaker enthusiasts.
SUPREME collaboration
A collaboration model with SUPREME, which caused a huge boom with its famous box logo.
Basically it's the same as the standard Air Force '07,
- Small SUPREME box logo printed
- SUPREME shoelaces included
It has a simple appearance and is not flashy, but it is understated yet makes a strong statement, making it a very popular model even now, several years after its release.
- WHITE
- BLACK
- Flax / Wheat
- Baroque Brown
The four colors listed above are available, and production numbers are increasing, making this a popular model that is relatively easy to obtain.
TRAVIS SCOTT collaboration
This is a collaboration model with rapper Travis Scott.
They have collaborated twice with Air Force 1, Some of the parts are removable, giving it a playful feel, but the exquisite colors give it a sophisticated look, making it a design that is characteristic of Travis Scott.
Both are traded at "very high prices" and are difficult to get your hands on, but if you were to wear them, they would undoubtedly attract a lot of attention from sneaker enthusiasts.
PEACE MINUS ONE collaboration
Artist G-DRAGON This is a collaboration model with PEACE MINUS ONE, a brand created by Kwon Ji-yong.
The collaborative Para-noise series currently has three types on the market, each with the following features:
- Extra thick shoelaces
- Shoe tongue logo PEACE MINUS ONE embroidered logo
- The surface paint peels off to reveal a different design
What makes these sneakers different from other sneakers is that as you wear them, the paint on the upper part peels off, revealing artwork by G-DRAGON.
It's like having two pairs of shoes, just with one, so you can enjoy them in a unique way.
These sneakers were extremely popular not only among sneaker fans but also among G-DRAGON's fanbase, and there was a lot of competition for them when they were released.
STUSSY collaboration
This is a collaboration model with the skate brand "STUSSY" and is available in two types: low cut and mid cut.
The low-cut models were especially popular.
Most of the upper is made from hemp, giving the shoe a very different feel from the standard Air Force.
UMBUSH collaboration
A collaboration model with the accessory and jewelry brand UMBUSH.
The most distinctive feature of the UMBUSH Air Force 1 is the Swoosh that extends to the back of the heel.
It was said that the design was inspired by modified Japanese bikes.
OFF-WHITE collaboration
Low-cut and mid-cut models are available in collaboration with luxury streetwear brand OFF-WHITE.
The low-cut model has become extremely popular since the ten series was launched, and is now traded for hundreds of thousands of yen.
This pair is typical of OFF-WHITE, with an "AIR" print on the heel and prominent stitching on the Swoosh.
NOCTA collaboration
This is a collaboration with NOCTA, a brand created by rapper Drake.
At first glance, it looks like a regular Air Force 1, but there are some differences as follows:
- Full leather specification
- AIR text on the outsole Love You Forever
- Embroidered NIKE and NOCTA logos
- Heart-shaped protrusions on the toe and heel of the outsole
With attention to detail like this, it's an Air Force that feels truly special.
TIFFANY collaboration
This is a collaboration with the famous jewelry brand, TIFFANY.
It features a black suede upper with a Tiffany Blue Swoosh (also available in reverse color ) .
The heels are actually fitted with genuine silver plates, making them very These shoes give off a sense of luxury.
The original retail price of ¥48,400 was already expensive, but the current price is over ¥200,000, making these a truly premium sneaker.
Other popular Air Force 1s
The model I'm going to introduce next is an inline model, but since it has been on the market for some time, production is often discontinued and it is currently not available for purchase on the official website.
However, unlike collaboration models, there are many of them available, and it is not difficult to get new ones at around the retail price on secondary distribution sites such as Sunidan, so if you see something you like, we recommend checking it out.
NIKE BY YOU
This is a custom-made service on the official NIKE website that allows you to create your own Air Force 1 in your favorite materials and colors.
- Low Cut
- Mid Cut
- High Cut
For Air Force 1, any of the above models can be custom made.
The materials and colors of the parts available change depending on the season, but you can always choose the basic items.
Not only can you create something completely original, but you can also create one in a color pattern similar to your favorite model.
Creating the image itself is free, so if you're interested, we recommend you try out the simulator.
Women's Air Force 1 Low '07 Essential "Paisley" series
This model features a swoosh made of paisley patterned canvas fabric.
Although this is a women's model, the design is well-received and the series is extremely popular with both men and women.
However, rather than just changing the color in a certain area, the paisley pattern makes the shoes understated overall but still makes a strong statement, making them the perfect pair for those who like simple styles but would like a little extra flair.
Air Force 1 Low "White and University Blue"
Air Force 1 with UNC colors (University of North Carolina team colors) on each part.
Among NIKE sneakers, the UNC color is very popular in the JORDAN series, and the combination of the popular Air Force 1 model and the popular color UNC makes this the strongest model in some sense.
The color pattern is based on white with vibrant light blue accents, making them easy to use as part of your fashion sense, and it's a pair of sneakers that you won't regret owning.
Air Force 1 Low GORE-TEX series
This Air Force 1 is made using "GORE-TEX" material, which is also used in mountain climbing gear .
The Air Force 1 is made from a material that is highly waterproof yet breathable, making it a highly practical and fashionable model.
summary
The Air Force 1 is still a popular sneaker even after more than 40 years since its release.
The reason why it has remained popular for so many years without changing its form is not only because of the high quality of the products, but also because it has been recognized by the masses as a culture.
The Air Force 1s introduced this time are just a small part of the most popular models.
Using the contents of this article as a reference, we hope you will find your favorite Air Force 1 from the many models available.
